A shoplifter who brazenly stole an entire display of Mini Eggs from a supermarket has been sentenced to four months in prison. Ashley Daley, 39, was captured on CCTV carrying the large display case out of a Tesco store on February 5, making no effort to conceal his face or flee quickly.
Prolific offender
Daley, a prolific shoplifter, had previously been recorded walking into shops and filling bags with meat and alcohol without paying, causing businesses over £4,000 in losses. South Wales Police stated that he was behind a series of thefts across Wales and the West Midlands.
Three-week crime spree
During a three-week spree in February, Daley targeted stores in Cardiff, Taffs Well, Merthyr Tydfil, Chepstow, and Caldicot. He was finally apprehended on February 21 in a car after committing another theft earlier that day. At the time of his arrest, he was found in possession of a kitchen knife, which added to his charges.
In his police interview, Daley answered 'no comment' to all questions about his actions. CCTV footage from another theft showed him stealing a box of Prosecco from a Tesco store.
Daley was charged with 12 counts of theft, one count of attempted theft, and possession of a bladed article. Investigating Officer Detective Constable Warriner commented: 'Daley is a prolific offender who was brazen in his actions across the country, showing a clear disregard for the law and believing himself above it. Shoplifting is not a victimless crime, and offenders like Daley have a big financial impact on businesses, and emotional impact on those who work there. Daley would have continued targeting businesses across the UK and I am glad to see that he has now been prevented from doing so.'
